ARBORIST (PARKS MAINTENANCE CREW LEADER)

DEPARTMENT: Public Services

DIVISION: Parks & Cemetery - Urban Forestry

GRADE 140: $58,698.30 - $85,112.53 Annual Salary, ($28.22 - $40.92) Hourly Rate

FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt, Merit, Full-Time position, Eligible for Benefits

GENERAL PURPOSE

This position performs specialized tasks associated with the proper diagnosing, planting, maintenance, removal, and delivery of emergency related services for trees, shrubs, and other vegetation on property owned and maintained by Ogden City. Oversees and directs the work of crew members to accomplish program goals. Receives general supervision from the Urban Forester.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Performs and directs crew in performing arboricultural work such as: trimming, planting, and removal of trees within the City ROW. Directs crew in implementing program goals and objectives; carries out City policies and procedures.
• Inspects, diagnoses, and applies IPM principles in the care and maintenance of street and park trees.
• Performs a variety of chemical applications in accordance with best management practices.
• Respond to hazardous and emergency situations, including tree removal from windstorm and snow damage; ensure roadway clearance.
• Attend and participate in professional group meetings; stay abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of arboriculture, urban forestry, and park maintenance.
• Responsible for the Weber County Community Service Workers periodically and will carry out rules and policies associated with this program.
• Assist in a variety of facilities maintenance duties including maintaining park buildings, installing, and maintaining fencing, repairing park benches, leveling the base paths on the baseball fields, and clearing debris from the parking lots.
• Perform and direct crew in a variety of park maintenance duties including plant maintenance and landscape duties, trimming trees and shrubs, pulling weeds, mowing, and edging lawns, raking recreation areas, watering plants and trees, sweeping, and clearing fallen trees from the public paths and walkways.
• Maintain and care for street and park trees to ensure public safety.
• Trim and prune trees to keep streets and sidewalks clear.
• Cut back heavy limbs and remove overgrown roots to preserve sidewalks.
• Plant and replant trees as necessary.
• Assist with major and minor irrigation repairs as necessary.
• Perform trail maintenance.
• Assist with the set up and breakdown of special events including Ogden's Christmas Village and the Ogden Pioneer Day's Rodeo.
• Assist with the inspection of park playground equipment, features, and structures and remove possible hazards to ensure safety.
• Prepare documentation regarding safety checks.
• Inspect and operate a variety of tools and equipment including power tools, high-lift trucks, chippers, grinders, backhoe, skid loaders, dump trucks, and lawn mowers.
• Perform general maintenance duties including refueling, changing oil, lubricating parts, and make minor adjustments as necessary.
• Assist with general park maintenance duties including cleaning and maintaining grounds.
• Assist with the construction and refurbishing of various structures.
• Patrol and inspect parks to ensure the safety of the public and park facilities.
• Note possible safety hazards or causes of injury and contact appropriate law enforcement or emergency agency as required.
• Prepare appropriate reports and documentation.
• Perform special projects and other duties as assigned.
• Assist with graffiti removal.
• Participate in safety and risk management activities; take action to reduce liability to the city.
• Attendance and punctuality are essential functions of this position. Employee is required to work as a team and frequently meet with co-workers and supervisors; employee is required to communicate in-person with the public during office hours; and employee is required to use on-site equipment.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• At least four years of increasingly responsible experience in the maintenance and care of public trees; experience in landscape maintenance, construction, or other related fields.
• High school diploma or its equivalent.
• Any combination of experience and education that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities may be qualifying.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Possession of or ability to obtain, within 150 days of hire a valid Utah Class A CDL with Tanker and Airbrake Endorsements.
• Employee will be required to complete NIMS IS100, IS200, IS700, and IS800 within six months of hire.
• Possession of or ability to obtain within three years of hire, an ISA (International Society of Arboriculture) Arborist Certification.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain within one year of hire, a valid Utah Chemical Applicators License Category 3 Turf and Ornamental.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of the operations, services, and activities of parks and forestry maintenance program related to the area of the work assigned.
• Knowledge of the principles of lead supervision and training.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of plant applications, uses, establishment, and maintenance, including the pruning and trimming of a variety of flowers, plants, shrubs, and trees.
• Knowledge of proper watering techniques as applied to individual plant life.
• Knowledge of plant/pest identification and related horticultural practices and applications.
• Knowledge of pest and weed control chemicals and their proper uses.
• Knowledge of the operational characteristics of equipment and tools used around work assigned.
• Knowledge of modern office equipment, including a computer.
• Knowledge of occupational hazards and standard safety practices.
• Skill in leading, organizing, and reviewing the work of staff.
• Skill in working independently in the absence of supervision.
• Skill in communicating clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Skill in operating a variety of urban forestry related equipment in a safe and effective manner.
• Ability to work at heights more than 60' and in various conditions while using arborist equipment to trim and remove trees throughout the city.
• Ability to understand and follow written and oral directions.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Ability to maintain mental capacity which allows for effective interaction and communication with others.
• Ability to comply with all city policies and regulations, including safety and risk management standards.

OGDEN CITY BENEFITS

• Language Pay
• Longevity Pay
• Holidays
• Sick, Vacation, and Comp Time Leave
• Medical and Dental
• EAP- Employee Assistance Program
• Life Insurance
• Long-Term Disability
• Employee Loan Program- Computer, Bike & Exercise equipment loans when available
• Wellness Program
• Tuition Reimbursement

FULL JOB DESCRIPTON ATTACHED AS PDF